Electric cars are becoming ever more popular, and finding ways to use them better is essential. There are a lot of new features, and batteries and their charging are one of the main ones. Sometimes we don’t have power because of an outage, and we need a car immediately.
Is there a way to charge an electric car with a generator? Yes, there is, but all the requirements need to be fulfilled. The generator must be able to produce enough power, with 10 kW at the bare minimum. Also, a generator must have an output that is compatible with a car.
Does this answer your question? Hardly, because knowing more about electric car battery charging will help you to understand this topic better. We will cover all the basics revolving around electric car batteries. You will know what their charging options are and when it is okay to use a generator. Enjoy!
Conventional Ways To Charge An Electric Car
For everyday use, there are three methods of charging:
- Level 1 charging – charging an electric vehicle through a regular 120-volt residential power source. The battery is charged through the regular outlet. This is the slowest option for charging electric vehicles, and it can take up to 40 hours for a full charge.
- Level 2 charging – at this level are fast chargers with 240-volt power sources. They are usually found in public charging stations. Now, many private owners are already installing them in homes for everyday use. With those, charging a car takes less than 5 hours.
- Level 3 charging – these chargers found their use in charging stations at business centers and along the freeways. They are impractical to be installed at homes and are still meant for commercial use. Those chargers are the fastest, and it takes them less than 30 minutes to charge a battery.
Should You Get A Generator For Backup Power?
Having a generator as an idea is not bad. Troubles with power outages can always happen. For all emergencies having a generator will be a safe option for charging your electric car. Also, portable generators are great if you run out of power in the middle of nowhere.
Charging infrastructure is still not developed as it should be. Electric car owners can still have trouble powering up their vehicles in some places. For all those situations, a generator can be a lifesaver.
When To Charge An Electric Car With A Generator?
Charging a battery with a generator shouldn’t be your first option. For regular charging using any of the three methods we mentioned earlier is the best way. Generators are there for all those emergencies. If you don’t have any other way to charge the electric vehicle, then use the generator.
Power grid problems and no chargers in the vicinity are the only reasons to turn to a generator. Also, don’t forget that to use a generator, you need gas. Carrying a gas canister around is not practical for everyday use.
Factors In Choosing The Right Generator For Your Electric Car
There are a lot of portable generators on the market, but not all are capable of charging an EV battery. Inverter chargers showed the best results, but they have some issues. They are the loudest of all generators and are the most expensive type of generator.
One of the key elements you should be looking for in a generator is True Sine Wave (TSW). TSW generates a smooth waveform of electrical output. Only inverter generators have this option.
Also, important factors are maximum power, outlet type, noise levels, running time, and how fuel efficient it is. When buying a generator, don’t go below 2,500 watts of output power. Anything below will be a drag because the battery charging will take some time.
If you are looking for a standby generator, they can produce between 10,000 kW and 50,000 kW depending on the model. That is enough for your entire home, and adding a car will not be a shock for the system.
What Size Generator Do You Need To Charge An Electric Car?
It all depends on your needs and budget. Also, there is a question: are you buying a portable or standby generator? Standby generators will have enough output power for charging a battery in a reasonable period.
Choosing a portable generator is much more complicated. They have different outlets, power outputs, and gas capacities. Choosing a generator with 2500 – 3000 watts is a good choice and will help you in critical situations. You cannot drive with a full battery, but you will reach the nearest charging station.
Check Out Can You Charge An Electric Car With This BIG Generator?:
How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric Car With A Generator?
Most of the generators have NEMA 5-20 outlets. With those charging, a battery can take more than 15 hours. Power generators with NEMA TT-30 outlets are less frequent on the market. These generators can charge a battery for at least 9 hours, depending on the power output.
Precautions When Charging An Electric Car With A Generator
Before using a generator to charge your electric car, check the manual of both the car and the generator. Charging cords for electric cars are specific. Not every cord is compatible with every generator.
Before connecting the generator to the car, check its characteristics. Some generators will be able to only charge the car for a short trip to the nearest charging stations. Other, more powerful generators can fully charge the battery.
FAQs
Can a generator be used to charge a Nissan Leaf?
Yes, you can. Nissan Leaf is one of the models that can be charged with a gas-powered generator.
Can you use a generator to charge a Ford Lightning?
Like with the Nissan Leaf, the answer is yes. The principle on which the battery and charging work is the same. But, use a gas-powered generator only in emergency cases.
Can you turn on an electric car while charging?
Before charging the car, you need to turn the engine off. After charging starts, you can turn on the radio, a/c, or other electric systems. To turn on the engine and the steering system, disconnect the car from the charger.
How many watts does a car battery charger use?
It depends on the charger. Now, most of the chargers use 7.200 watts and they are in the Level 2 charges category. Level 1 chargers have around 1.500 watts.
Can you charge a Tesla powerwall with a generator?
No, you can’t power a Tesla power wall with a generator. But a power wall together with a generator can provide electricity for your home.
Final Considerations
Having a charger in case of a power outage is a good idea. You may never know when there will be a power outage, and you need to be able to start charging your car at any time. Buy a generator with an outlet that will suit your car and will deliver the best performance.
Also, don’t rely on a generator as a charging source. You should use generators only in emergencies. Standard chargers should be your regular choice. They are faster and more stable power sources.
If you found this article informative, stay with us. In the future, we will continue to cover the topics of the electric car industry!
